Wellington Travel Information

Wellington is New Zealand's capital and second-largest city, and also just happens to be one of the first places on the planet to catch the morning sun. Perched on the southern tip of North Island beside the Cook Straight, this small-scale gem set amid a ring of forested hills has a glittering harbour with a waterfront promenade running along the bay, a rugged and picturesque coastline, glorious sandy beaches, and clusters of timbered houses cascading down its wooded hillsides.

Undoubtedly one of New Zealand's prettiest locations, visitors will enjoy panoramic views across the city, waterfront and ocean as they ride on Wellington's historic, pillar-box red cable car up to Kelburn Lookout. Once at the summit, tourists will find they have arrived at Wellington Botanic Gardens, a verdant paradise with walking trails, an observatory, and 300 varieties of roses. Also close to the city, Zealandia highlights New Zealand's natural history and harbours many rare species. Those happy to sign up for a Zealandia guided night tour will spot the rare nocturnal kiwi, the nation's iconic flightless bird, and most nature lovers will also want to visit Matiu Island, a spectacular wildlife haven in Wellington's offshore waters.

The compact city itself nestles around the waterfront. Here visitors can explore the sensational Te Papa national museum, delve into local history in the Wellington City & Sea museum, or enjoy the contemporary art exhibitions in the City Gallery. When the time for refreshment arrives, Wellington's famous café culture offers a host of stylish options, and copious supplies of quality craft beers are also available throughout the city.

Wellington hosts a variety of colourful festivals and annual events, some of which draw an international audience. These include the World Series Rugby Sevens in January; the New Zealand Festival (art, performance and music) in February/March; Wellington on a Plate (an international foodie extravaganza) and Beervana (just guess!) both occurring in August.

Climate-wise, Wellington's weather is mild and temperate with summer temperatures averaging 17-20º C between October and April. This is undoubtedly the best time to visit because Wellington's relatively short winter season is generally accompanied by strong winds roaring across the Cook Straight, earning the city the tag 'Windy Wellington'.

What people are saying about Wellington right now:

@philiplyth @JohnJCampbell @tweetandtwig @secondzeit My word there will be some sauced up badly behaved MPs in Well… https://t.co/ZOi3RptZ8M

Air New Zealand takes Jetstar on in Queenstown - Stuff.co.nz

Just one day after Jetstar reinstated flights between Wellington and Queenstown, Air New Zealand has increased the number of seats it offers on the route. That's good news for consumers a plane tickets are lower on routes with more competition and both ...

Brisbane winter flights, capital's new Queenstown service and Singapore's chatbot - The National Business Review

Jetstar will revive its Wellington-Queenstown service from the end of March. The three flights a week using A320 aircraft will depart on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings from March 27 and return mid-morning. Jetstar last operated this route four ...

Twitter: From user 'Flightwise.pro'

Find #airlines and book discount flights to Wellington, New Zealand: Wellington International with… https://t.co/HpypBp0tfp

Twitter: From user 'Martin Jago'

I thought I'd spent WAY too much time on planes in the last 2 weeks since Heathrow. But 2 exit row seats & a trip… https://t.co/J3e7jjQsL6

Air New Zealand is set to grow the number of seats available on the Wellington-Queenstown route by around 50 percent from April next year. The airline will operate an extra five A320 direct services a week between Wellington and Queenstown, the ...

Twitter: From user 'Flightwise.pro'

Find airlines and book discount flights to Wellington, New Zealand: Wellington International with… https://t.co/ugvpLwTZHG

“Power is out at Atlanta airport and no info being shared with people in the terminals... we're literally in the dark,” another added at 1:18 p.m. ET. “Entire @ATLairport out of power and it is a total madhouse but thankfully @Delta skyclub still pours ...